What is the difference between Freemasonry and the Illuminati?
Freemasonry and the Illuminati are distinct organizations with different histories and purposes. Freemasonry, a fraternal organization with roots in stonemason guilds, emphasizes moral and spiritual development through allegory and symbolism. Its principles are openly shared, focusing on brotherhood, relief, and truth. As stated in the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey, Freemasonry is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." In contrast, the Illuminati, founded in 1776, was a short-lived secret society that focused on Enlightenment ideals and opposed superstition and state control. Unlike Freemasonry's enduring presence, the Illuminati was suppressed and dissolved within a few decades. Modern notions of the Illuminati often stem from conspiracy theories, which do not accurately represent Freemasonry's actual practices or historical context.